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Kansas City Chiefs’ assistant coach Eric Bieniemy recently spoke about running back Damien Williams. The 27-year old pro — in his first season with the club after four years with the Miami Dolphins — was pivotal to the team down the stretch in 2018. And he performed extremely well in the club’s two-game postseason split with the Indianapolis Colts and the New England Patriots.
"“You know what? Damien Williams is our starter,” said the club’s offensive coordinator last week (via Charles Goldman of ChiefsWire.com). “We expect him to excel at that role. Obviously, just like with any other position, if something was to happen…We always coach our starters not to allow anyone to take their job, but we also understand the importance of coaching our backup players to take their job and be ready when that opportunity presents itself…”"
In terms of depth, veteran Carlos Hyde (most recently with the Jacksonville Jaguars) was picked up this offseason and figures to be the main backup. The team also used a sixth-round pick in April on Utah State running back Darwin Thompson.
But while the Chiefs were first in the NFL in passing yards per game this past season the ground attack was ranked dead center at 16th. And Reid’s team was tied for 23rd in the league in total running plays, not a great number when one of the worst defenses in the league needed to spend less time on the field. Will the club be a little more committed to balance this fall?